The Danish Maritime Museum in Helsingor, Denmark has opened its doors to the public following innovative design work from Danish architecture firm BIG, which created the underground museum by incorporating an old dry dock into its structure.

BIG originally won the design competition in 2007 and has since set about transforming the area located within the grounds of Denmark’s famous 15th century Kronborg Castle, as part of a project to bring more attractions to the Helsingor harbour area.

The architecture group, led by founder Bjarke Ingels, has created the 17,500sq m (188,368 sq ft) museum within a two-storey rectangular structure which encases the dry dock, with connecting tunnels running through the dock area, which also act as connecting bridges for the public above ground.

The designs have also been celebrated as the museum remains visible without impacting on the view of the nearby castle.

The state-approved museum, primarily funded by the Danish Ministry of Culture, presents the story of the country’s maritime history up to the present day and features an auditorium as well as extended galleries which were created by designers Kossmann Dejong.

The surrounding area also features street furniture arranged to reflect Morse code through the use of dots and dashes, with the work being carried out by design studio Kibisi.

Entrance to the museum costs 110 DKK ($20, £12.50, €15), while admission is free for those under the age of 18.